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Parallel Curriculum Units for Science, Grades 6-12
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Parallel Curriculum Units for Science, Grades 6-12

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February 2011 | 240 pages | Corwin

"Teachers at various stages of professional development in curriculum design will find these materials powerful examples that will guide their growth and development and sharpen their skills."
—Mary L. Slade, Professor
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Supercharge your science curriculum to challenge all students

Based on the best-selling book The Parallel Curriculum, this professional development resource gives multifaceted examples of rigorous learning opportunities for science students in Grades 6–12. The four sample units revolve around genetics, the convergence of science and society, the integration of language arts and biology, and the periodic table. The editors and contributors provide user-friendly methods for creating more thoughtful lessons and show how to differentiate them for the benefit of all students. Included are field-tested and standards-based strategies that guide students through:

  • Exploring the nature of knowledge
  • Discovering connections between science and other subjects
  • Deepening science comprehension according to their interests and abilities
  • Connecting science to society through the study of genetics, historic events, literature, and chemistry

Each unit includes subject matter background, a content framework, study components, teacher reflections, and sample lessons. Also available are online content tools such as handouts, PowerPoint presentations, and research activities. Breathe new life into science learning with this powerful guidebook written by master educators!


 
About the Editors
 
About the Contributors
 
Introduction
Lindsey Asbury
1. Genetics: Our Past, Present, and Future: A Middle School Unit for Grades 6-8
Introduction to the Unit

 
Background to the Unit

 
Content Framework

 
Unit Components and Rationale

 
Unit Sequence, Description, and Teacher Reflection

 
Lesson 1.1: Preassessment and Unit Introduction (Dominant and Recessive Genes)

 
Lesson 1.2: Punnet Squares and Predicting Heredity

 
Lesson 1.3: DNA

 
Lesson 1.4: DNA Extraction Lab

 
Lesson 1.5: DNA Fingerprinting and Crime Lab Investigation

 
Lesson 1.6: Genetics and European History

 
Lesson 1.7: Genetics in Practice

 
Unit 1 Appendixes

 
Julie Martinek
2. The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: What's at Stake? The Convergence of Science and Society, Grade 6
Introduction to the Unit

 
Background to the Unit

 
Content Framework

 
Unit Assessments

 
Unit Sequence, Description, and Teacher Reflection

 
Lesson 2.1: Pretest: The Cause-and-Effect Relationship within a System

 
Lesson 2.2: Introduction to the Exxon Valdez Problem

 
Lesson 2.3: Setting Up the Stakeholders? Research Activities

 
Lesson 2.4: Prioritizing the Sites and Constructing a Persuasive Argument/Essay

 
Unit 2 Appendixes

 
Kristina J. Doubet
3. Systems: An Integrated Approach to Science and English Instruction, Grades 9-10
Introduction to the Unit

 
Background to the Unit

 
Content Framework

 
Lesson/Unit Assessments

 
Lesson Sequence and Teacher Reflection

 
Lesson3.1: An Introduction to Systems

 
Lesson 3.2 (English): The Pearl, Part 1 (Chapters 1-3)

 
Lesson 3.3 (Science): Introducing Cell Structure

 
Lesson 3.4 (English): The Pearl, Part 2 (Chapters 4-6)

 
Lesson 3.5 (Science): Movement in Cells

 
Unit 3 Appendixes

 
Fie Budzinsky
4. The Periodic Table: Getting to Know and Appreciate the Elements and Their Families, Grade 10
Background to the Unit

 
Content Framework

 
Overview of Key Lesson Ideas/Purposes

 
Lesson 4.1: The Elements: Getting to Know You

 
Lesson 4.2: The Elements: Up Close and Personal

 
Lesson 4.3: We Are Family!

 
Lesson 4.4: The Elements in Action

 
Lesson 4.5: Breaking News

 
Unit 4 Appendixes

 

Supplements

“The parallel curriculum model provides a useful framework for creating lessons that are appropriate for all students. Applying it to science, the authors challenge students to think critically in all they do, synthesizing material within the STEM disciplines as well as reaching out to connect to the humanities. The teacher reflections offer relevant tips to maximize the effect of each aspect of the lesson. Most of all, the authors respect their students and their right to interact with challenging curriculum. I highly endorse these units for secondary students and am so excited with the challenge these units provide.”

Felicia A. Dixon, Professor Emerita of Psychology
Ball State University, Muncie, IN

"Dr. Leppien and her colleagues provide a user-friendly approach to motivating young people through meaningful scientific investigations. I am pleased to incorporate this text into my graduate courses in gifted education."

Thomas P. Hébert, Professor
The University of Georgia

"Teachers at various stages of professional development in curriculum design will find these materials powerful examples that will guide their growth and development and sharpen their skills."

Mary L. Slade, Professor
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

“President Obama stated that 'Science is more essential for our prosperity, our security, our health, our environment, and our quality of life than it has ever been' (2009). This statement speaks to an urgent call for young people to acquire increased scientific knowledge. This book addresses that need by providing carefully designed, highly engaging, and intellectually stimulating lessons."

Karen L. Westbert, Associate Professor
Univeristy of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN

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